It’s that week again – the week where Christmas is over, family has gone back home, people aren’t 100% working again, and more festivities for New Year’s Eve await. It’s a bit of a lull, isn’t it? As you’re getting back into somewhat of a routine and beginning to organize life post-holidays, I want to encourage you to use the post-Christmas lull to get your eating and movement back on track. Why wait for the start of 2012 to set some goals and start living healthier? Even if it’s only committing in this post-Christmas lull to drink more water daily, to go for one walk a day, or to wake up a few minutes earlier to get a quick workout in, let’s start today! and start together. Here are a few thoughts I’ve had about using this week to the fullest before the New Year’s Eve parties begin again:

We’ve got the time! Well, most of us do. I know some people are back to work but the hours are short, the work isn’t as busy, and you’re more free with your time than usual. If you had family visiting, chances are they’ve packed up and gone home, leaving you with a bit of cleaning to do, good leftovers, and happiness in your heart. There are open pockets of time throughout the day; why not use them to your body’s benefit? Plus, there’s no time like the present, especially if you’ve got extra time in the present to use.

Chances are, your bodies are ready for a change! Everyone loves the indulgences of this season, whether that’s a glass or two of wine, a few more than normal cookies, or the traditional foods that we don’t eat everyday. If you’re anything like me, your body is ready for a change – for some vegetables, some greens, lots of water and filling proteins. Although the rest is always nice, your body is probably ready for some intentional movement too! So give it what it wants – healthy, real foods and more physical action. After a fresh meal and a good sweat, you will remember what it feels like to really love your body and treat it right!

Drinkin’ my veggies in the post-Christmas lull!

You’ll be ahead of the curve. Many people continue to “live it up” until New Year’s and then the “I’ll start New Year’s DayMonday next Monday” excuses begin. Let’s be intentional with this post-Christmas lull time and get a few workouts in before kicking back on New Years. Think about how great you’ll feel with a few days of intentional eating and movement in before your last celebration of the year! And starting before New Years will give you momentum going into 2012 with your plans, your direction, and your consistency rather than setting ambitious goals and burning out early in the year.

I’m not saying you should throw away all your cookies, wake up at 5 am to hit the gym hard, and cancel dinner and drinks plans with friends, but think about the small changes you make and be intentional with your time during this post-Christmas lull. Small steps truly can lead to big changes, and making some new habits BEFORE New Years puts you ahead of the game! Why not:

Drink more water daily (and in between fancy cocktails and beverages on the big night!).

Try out a short (emphasizing QUICK here!), high intensity workout like one or more of these: BodyRock workouts (weighted, body weight only, abs workouts) or these: from FitMiss or jump rope in your basement, outside, or on carpet to get your heart rate rocketing!

Take a walk with hills in it for an extra leg and lung burn.

Choose to eat a filling, healthy breakfast and focus on lighter, leaner meals at night.

How will YOU choose to use your post-Christmas time lull? I plan to drink more water and stay consistent with my workouts – I can tell by my clothes sticking to regular movement has helped thwart the onset of those Christmas pounds (fist pump!).

I couldn’t agree more! “Staying ahead of the curve” & not letting workouts slack has me feeling so good right now. I’m committed to staying consistent with tough workouts but also strengthening my yoga practice & drinking more H2O.
Happy New Year!